Why is my ball python acting like this? (video)

that definitely looks like a fear strike as has been mentioned. that rat was definitely too big.
a good rule of thumb i learned about here and it's what i go by when buying rats for my girl...
the rat should be about the same size as the snake's fattest part, a little smaller is ok but...
if your snake eats and there's NO visible lump in the body at all afterwards then the rat was too small.
good luck.

my snake did the same thing when I feed her F/T every time. Then I put a live one in, she ate it right away. So maybe you want to try a live one first.

This is 100% the same when I feed my snake F/T every time. I tried every time, if it doesn't work, I put a live one in, then they eat it right away.

It seems some animals have different windows for feeding responses. A few of mine did the same thing for a while. I try to tap on the tubs and open them up before I feed everyone so I dont trigger a defensive response instead of a feeding response. Just try to be patient and try some smaller food. :)

in my opinion that rat is far too big for that little snake. i'd throw a live hopper mouse in there. those things spark up a feeding instinct like no other in my 3 little 6 month olds

I would thaw it out near the tub, heat the head with a hairdrier and let the snake come to the rat, not wave it around in front of it. Try one a little smaller but I wouldn't drop to rat pup size, that is just silly :P

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Originally Posted by SpiffyYoshi

I tried live mice and live rats smaller than the one in this video. She reacts the same way to everything. She hasn't eaten for a month. I know it's not a long time for a BP but she is 9 months old and I want her to grow and shed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7F1zjW3t7A

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I just went through this with one of my female's also... Mine's the same exact age and about the same size as yours...I was concerned just like you. I was at my local reptile shop yesterday and the old timer who owns the shop and is a long time breeder told me not to worry....as long as temps are good, provide two hides, cool side, warm side. She will eat when she wants to. BP's especially females, can be very finicky during this time of year. Dont bug her to much trying to get her to eat because it just stresses her out more.